Bannering the theme, “Harvesting Global Innovation: A Sustainable and Futures-Ready IFSU,” Ifugao State University (IFSU) celebrated its 104th Founding Anniversary and 15th Charter Year on October 15-16, 2024, at select venues on its Main Campus.
Dr. Diosdado M. Aquino, Vice President for Planning, Finance, and Resource Generation, welcomed attendees and encouraged them to embrace change, foster innovation, and create sustainable solutions.
Ifugao Province Governor Jerry U. Dalipog, represented by Tom Kristoffer H. Guinomon, highlighted the University’s pursuit of globalization and excellence. He emphasized the importance of strengthening educational programs to ensure the province’s progress towards a future-ready community.
Representative Solomon R. Chungalao of the Lone District of Ifugao congratulated IFSU on its outstanding accomplishments, including recent recognition in world university rankings. He reiterated the University’s vital role in advancing the socio-economic development of the Ifugao community and promoting a culture centered on academic excellence and sustainability.
Hon. J. Prospero “Popoy” E. De Vera III, CHED Chairperson, graced the celebration as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. In his message, he emphasized the significance of foundation anniversaries for universities. He challenged IFSU to adopt an international perspective, benchmarking its programs and faculty against regional and global standards. He also urged employees to uphold the University’s reputation, emphasizing that their actions reflect on the institution’s legacy.
University President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon presented her State of the University Address, sharing IFSU’s achievements and significant milestones. She acknowledged the University’s global rankings and expressed hope for continued improvement. She concluded by urging the IFSU community to be the change they wish to see in the world.
A key event of the celebration was the “Bakle ad IFSU,” a modern adaptation of the traditional Ifugao Bakle festival. It served as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and a reaffirmation of IFSU’s commitment to preserving Indigenous culture.
IFSU also hosted a meet-and-greet event with Hon. De Vera III, providing a platform for dialogue between him and Tertiary Education Services (TES) grantees and beneficiaries, students, and other attendees.
Additionally, IFSU unveiled markers for its newly upgraded electrical and mechanical engineering laboratories at the IFSU Lagawe Campus. The state-of-the-art equipment, valued at 47 million pesos, was made possible through funding from the CHED under the Institutional Development and Innovation Grants (IDIG) Program.
The upgraded facilities are expected to enhance the learning experience of IFSU students, ensuring the delivery of quality education and producing globally competitive graduates. The equipment will also contribute to the university’s efforts to foster innovation and address local development needs in the era of digital transformation. **Faith B. Napudo, Ifugao State University